Drug interactions
Lithium + Primaquine
Severity: Moderate
Lithium and Primaquine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Lithium can cause QT prolongation and conduction abnormalities, particularly at higher serum levels. Primaquine may add to the QT effect, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
What this interaction means in plain words
Lithium and Primaquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System; Primaquine belongs to Anti Parasitic.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation.
What to do
Obtain a baseline ECG and keep serum lithium within the therapeutic range. Correct electrolytes and repeat the ECG if symptoms occur.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Primaquine
- Pimozide + Primaquine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Primaquine Major
- Amisulpride + Primaquine Major
- Anagrelide + Primaquine Major
- Arsenic trioxide + Primaquine Major
- Asenapine + Primaquine Major
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Lithium with Primaquine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Lithium and Primaquine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Lithium can cause QT prolongation and conduction abnormalities, particularly at higher serum levels. Primaquine may add to the QT effect, increasing the risk of arrhythmia.
How serious is the interaction between Lithium and Primaquine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Obtain a baseline ECG and keep serum lithium within the therapeutic range. Correct electrolytes and repeat the ECG if symptoms occur.
What other medicines interact with Primaquine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Primaquine with, for example, Pimozide, Amiodarone, Amisulpride. The full list is on the Primaquine page.
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